The Preserve

1. Moss RockTake a walk in the Moss Rock Preserve and you will not only find house-sized boulders, waterfalls and miles of trails, but also rare plants and uncommon sandstone formations. When hiking in the 250-acre wood, you may feel as though you are a hundred miles from civilization, not a short jaunt away from Krispy Kreme. Every sunny afternoon, the boulder field is packed with parents with children, dog walkers and rock climbers equipped with their big “crash pads” in case they fall. The climbers are quick to share “beta,” or information about the different routes on the boulders. Each of the many climbs has a name such as Cheese, The General, Hearts or Lost Roof. If you’re the first to climb a “line” on a boulder, you earn naming rights for the route. Climbers have used these boulders since the late ’60s; however in 2001 the land was up for rezoning and in danger of development. The Southeastern Climbers Coalition, led by Lee Means, helped pay the lease on the land and ultimately saved the sandstone boulders.617 Preserve Parkway | hooveral.org

2. The BootThe Boot is something of a hidden gem — although it’s in the heart of the Preserve’s community center, many area residents have not yet discovered its excellent menu and relaxed atmosphere. The menu changes with the season, and all the food is made the day it is served. Nightly specials include grouper sandwich, coconut shrimp and ribeye steak, among others. Friday and Saturday nights feature local musicians such as Three on a String, Jerry and Blue and Modern Amusement.The restaurant’s menu also highlights local favorites. Much of the produce used is organic and comes from local growers. The draft selection emphasizes craft beers from local brewers such as Good People, Avondale and Back Forty Brewing Companies, as well as regional beers from NOLA Brewing, Athens, Ga.’s Terrapin and Huntsville’s Straight to Ale. And the restaurant uses all-natural beef and poultry are free of hormones, growth drugs or antibiotics. 616 Preserve Parkway, Suite 112 | 205- 978-8988 | thebootatpreservevillage.vpweb.com

3. Studio 11:11Capture the beauty of The Preserve with photos or paintings from Studio 11:11. Let Renaissance woman artist/photographer Karen Libecap be your personal trainer in a creative workout. Her studio offers a gym-type membership for art lessons — pay a monthly fee and come in as often as you like. She provides canvas and paint. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll enjoy her ART Bar for a fun evening of painting or private parties (available for both children and adults). Summer camp opportunities will run through July. 616 Preserve Parkway, Suite 104 | 205-259-6611 | studio1111art.com

4. The Preserve Jazz FestivalThis seventh-annual event is held on the Village Green, the Preserve’s eight-acre part in the center of the community. Thousands of jazz fans will throw down picnic blankets and relax as they enjoy the music of a variety of jazz performers. VIP tickets include food and drink from The Boot, reserved seating and artist meet-and-greet sessions.The 2013 festival headliner is Grammy award winner Spyro Gyra, who combine jazz with R&B, funk and pop. They’ve sold more than 10 million copies of their 30-plus albums, and it will be easy to hear why during this summer performance. The afternoon will also include music from Alex Bugnon and Eric Essix, Good Times Brass Band and Kim Scott. June 2, 4-10 p.m. | $40-$125 | 601 Preserve Way | 205-390-3800 | preservejazz.com